Review: Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Lotion

I'm certain I've said this a million times already on both my blog and my channel but I'll say it again, my skin is seriously freaking out. I have bumps along my forehead and have been breaking out in my T-zone. I'm not sure what caused my skin to go haywire but I've slowly been trying to fix it and get it back to being smooth and blemish-free.
I started off by using Lush's Ultrabland Facial Cleanser to reset my skin and now here I am with a brand new skincare routine that will hopefully solve all my problems. This Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Lotion (£2.99) was the first new product I incorporated into my routine. I had done some research and found that I should incorporate Salicylic Acid into my routine. One of the first active ingredients listed on the back of this bottle was Salicylic Acid so I thought why not give it a try?
I like to use this product after I've removed my makeup and washed my face. I pour a little bit onto a cotton pad and gently wipe it across my face and neck. It works to remove any remaining traces of makeup and I can feel my pores tightening. However, I can't seem to get over the strong chemical smell of the product. I know that most toners do have an intense alcohol scent but this one was just overwhelming.
I've almost used up the entire bottle by now in a little under a month and I can say with certainty that while I didn't notice any more bumps or breakouts, it didn't do much in fixing the problem areas I already had. I will not be repurchasing this in the future because in my opinion I could probably find a better product for around the same price. I'm thinking of trying the Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Toner (£3.59) or the Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Stress Control 3-in-1 Daily Cleansing Lotion (£3.99). If any of you have used these products before, I'd love to know what you'd think of them or if you have any other products to recommend!
♥
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Review: Boots Essentials Cleansing Wipes

I first mentioned this product in my Boots & Superdrug Haul not too long ago and if you watched it then you'll know what I'm going to say next. This Boots Essentials Cleansing Wipes (£1.50) is absolute rubbish. I only bough them because I was jet lagged wandering around Boots trying to pick up whatever I desperately needed in as little time as possible and it happened to be on a 3 for £3 sale.
While I got the product for only £1, in essence you are paying £1.50 for 25 wipes. I believe this is the standard amount of wipes you would typically get in one of these packets but I feel like I use them up so quickly because sometimes I'll need two to effectively rid my face of all my makeup. This is because the wipes are so dry. When you take them out of the packet you feel almost no moisture and even when I got down to the bottom of my last pack the sheets were still not damp.
I feel like I'm rubbing my face with a paper towel when I'm using this product. I'm the type of person who likes wipes that are heavily saturated so clearly this product gets a big thumbs down from me. I believe the only up side to these wipes are that they are not heavily scented and I haven't had any problems with irritation from the formula.
I ended up buying two of these Boots Essentials Cleansing Wipes and one Boots Essentials Eye Make-Up Remover Gel for a total of £3. While it certainly was a bargain, I would have much rather paid more money for products that actually work. If you read my review on the Boots Essentials Eye Make-Up Remover Gel then you'll know that it sounded exactly like this one. After my experience with these two products from the Boots Essentials line, I can decidedly say that I am never buying a product from this line again.
♥
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Boots & Superdrug Haul!

I really apologize for this video being two days late. I had filmed this haul on Monday but when I went in to edit it I was really unhappy with the lighting and the quality. So I decided to re-film and re-edit the entire video. I'm still working out the kinks in my filming situation here at my dorm so bear with me while I try to get everything perfect.

☺LETS BE FRIENDS!☺
Blog: http://bit.ly/1dtpXi7
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1843L8z
Instagram: http://bit.ly/14jRzTF

★PRODUCTS MENTIONED★

BOOTS:
Soap & Glory Clean, Girls Body Wash
http://bit.ly/19EPyPE

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter Body Lotion
http://bit.ly/1855RsC

Boots Essentials Cucumber Eye Make-Up Remover Gel
http://bit.ly/1bM91pc
Review: http://bit.ly/GPwiZh

Boots Essentials Cucumber Cleansing Wipes
http://bit.ly/16BwVPV

Clean and Clear Deep Cleansing Lotion
http://bit.ly/16VsSQS

Boots Conditioning Nail Polish Remover
http://bit.ly/165oada

Boots 6 Way File and Bufffer
http://bit.ly/19pX4zO

Models Own Iced Neon Nail Polish in Bubblegum
http://bit.ly/19EQsvt

Models Own Velvet Goth in Sardonyx
http://bit.ly/19EQEL8

SUPERDRUG:
Head & Shoulders Shampoo in Menthol
http://bit.ly/165oVD7

Head & Shoulders Conditioner Smooth & Silky
http://bit.ly/1edYNeB

Barry M. Nail Polish Raspberry
http://bit.ly/15tMNTV

Barry M. Gelly Hi-Shine Dragon Fruit
http://bit.ly/1bjkg48

Collection 2000 Concealer Lasting Perfection Light
http://bit.ly/16VtXbe

Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish Lipstick Shade 5
http://bit.ly/1atGGyn

Rimmel Apoaclips Lip Lacquer Celestial
http://bit.ly/1cEjJgW

Rimmel Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara Black
http://bit.ly/GJEpq4

Sleek Blush By 3 Lace
http://bit.ly/165pEEh

♥WHAT I'M WEARING♥
Madewell V-Neck Pocket Tee White
http://bit.ly/15tNCfp

Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish Lipstick Shade 5
http://bit.ly/1atGGyn

DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored. Some of the links above are affiliate links.


♥
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Review: Lush Celestial Facial Moisturizer

I've always been a sucker for Lush. There's something about the simplistic packaging and company values that draw me in to their products. If you saw my Lush, Sephora & Barneys Beauty Haul, you'll know that I stopped off at Lush before I came to London to stock up. Which in hindsight was pretty silly since Lush was founded here in England, so the prices on some of their items is actually lower.

One of the products that I picked up during my visit was this Lush Celestial Facial Moisturizer ($24.95). If you read my Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser review that I posted up two weeks ago on my blog, you'll know that I was looking for a skincare routine to help treat my acne-prone and oily skin. The wonderful sales associate at Lush in Soho recommended I use the Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser with this Lush Celestial Facial Moisturizer in order to "reset" my skin.

I had been using Lush's Imperialis Facial Moisturizer ($24.95) before this and noticed that it wasn't hydrating my skin enough, so I asked for something more moisturizing this time around. The sales associate at Lush recommended I try the Lush Celestial Facial Moisturizer because it's formulated for dry and sensitive skin so it's moisturizing while at the same time it's not too thick that it'll irritate or clog my pores. It sounded like good enough logic to me so I picked it up and have been using it for a little over a month now.

The product is made of almond milk and cocoa butter so it pretty much smells like a milkshake for your face. Beware though for it is heavily scented, so if you don't think you can stand the smell of almond milk then I'd suggest you opt for a different moisturizer. If you can get past the scent, or actually enjoy it like I do, you'll notice that the product has a very light and milky consistency. It's not a thick cream but it's not watery like some light facial moisturizers are. It's in that in between state so it feels decadent when applying it and your skin drinks it up quickly since it's still quite light.
Since I've started using the Lush Celestial Facial Moisturizer I've noticed that my skin hasn't been as dry. When I was using the Lush Imperialis Facial Moisturizer, the area of my forehead in between my brows would always be dry and flaky no matter how much moisturizer I applied. Now the flakiness is gone and the rest of my skin isn't too overly hydrated. I've been really enjoying this product since I've bought it and if it weren't for my need to try every possible facial moisturizer I can that piques my interest, I'd definitely buy this again. ♥
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Review: Soap & Glory Hand Food

Come the colder months I tend to develop an obsession with keeping my hands moisturized as I can't stand to see them dry and flaky. Thus, I have tried numerous hand creams from high-end to drugstore. Some were good and others were bad, but this Soap & Glory Hand Food Hydrating Hand Cream ($5.00 for 1.7 oz) has made it to the top of my list.

Review: Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser

If you've been following me for some time now, you'll know that I've been struggling a lot with my skin as of late. I've been breaking out around my T-zone, especially in the area between my brows and around my hairline. I tried numerous different products, tools and regimens hoping that I'd find a cure. However, all I was doing was using harsher and harsher products that were causing me to break out even more.

I decided to make a trip to Lush because I know that their staff is generally very knowledgable and their products are all natural with no harsh chemicals that could irritate my skin any further. The sales associate at the Lush store in Soho was brilliant and turned me on to what is known as the Ultrabland ($16.95 for 1.5 oz.) diet.

Lush, Sephora & Barneys Haul

Did some last minute shopping at Lush, Sephora and Barneys before I made my journey to London! Check out the products I got!

September Empties (Products I've Used Up)

Greetings from London! My sincerest apologies for not posting in over a week, I haven't had the chance to sit down in my room since I got here. I filmed this video back at home before I left and had meant to post it the Wednesday before my flight but per usual, life got in the way. Please keep watching to see what products I used up in the month of September and whether I'd repurchase them or not.

Review: Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of BB creams but the ones here in America typically can't cut it. When compared to Asian brands like Skin79 and Lioele, what we call BB creams here are really just tinted moisturizers. So it only makes sense that I was super skeptical when I purchased the Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 ($39) in the shade Light/Medium.

Review: Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish

I've been in the market for a good body scrub for a long time. I used to use Lush's Ocean Salt ($21.95) but it was much too abrasive and way too expensive for my liking. So when Sephora sent me a 15% off VIB coupon code, I jumped at the chance to get this Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish ($20). I had always looked at it in stores and everything from the texture to the smell really drew me in.

As with all Soap & Glory products, this body polish comes in the most adorable and girly pink container. There's just something in the way they design the labels on their packaging that never fails to entice me into buying or at least checking out their products. You get 10.1 fl oz. of product in this giant pink tub, which is quite a lot more than 4.2 oz. of Ocean Salt you get for $21.95.

According to the packaging, the product is a "shea butter, sugar and peach seed powder spa body polish with skin smoothing sea salt, grapeseed and almond oils." It may sound like a load of mumbo jumbo but basically it's a sugar based body scrub that smells so delicious you'd want to eat it.

The consistency of the product is very gooey and it feels like a paste with little scrubby beads when you apply it to your skin. A little goes a long way and you don't need to scrub too hard to reveal softer and smoother looking skin. I use this product about once a week and in just three uses, I've already noticed a decrease in in-grown hairs, bumps and dry patches on my skin. The best part is right after you use it, if you touch your skin it feels baby smooth even without lotion.
I'm completely in love with this body polish and it's definitely the best body polish I've ever tried. It's not too abrasive and not too gentle, it smells delicious and works wonders on my skin. I'll definitely be repurchasing this once I use it all up but I don't see that happening for a long time since you get such a generous amount of product! ♥
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September Favorites!

Hey everyone! Sorry it's been a week since I last posted but I've been extremely busy with school and performing so I just haven't had the time. I spent this whole weekend performing for the Travel & Leisure Global Bazaar at the Lexington Armory. I got to sample food and drinks from various countries, famous chefs and even got to go zip lining. The highlight of my weekend was meeting Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto!

Pretty cool right? Well anyways, I warn you all that my posts will be rather sparse this month since I have all my midterms these next three weeks. I also have to plan and book my vacation with my boyfriend in January, we're planning to go to Disney World, Universal Orlando and Sea World Orlando. So I'm going to try my best to post as much as I can but I probably won't be posting as much as I usually do.

Now on to the real topic of this post, my September Favorites. September flew by and I believe it, between school and performances I haven't had much time for anything else. My favorite products this month are all mainly skincare products because as I mentioned in previous posts, my skin has been misbehaving lately so I've been on the hunt for a new skincare routine. A majority of these products are from my Lush haul at the beginning of this month, so check that out if you want to know more.

1. Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Me ($2.99) - This has been my go-to lip product this entire month. It's one of those your lip color but better shades of red and I love how it smells like a jolly rancher. It's a very low-maintenance product, which is great for me now because I've been so busy, and it does double duty by also being a lip balm. I'll probably be doing a review on this product soon so keep your eyes out.

2. LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner ($8.95) - I've never used a toner before now but this product has got me hooked. It feels really refreshing when sprayed all over the face and I have noticed that I've had significantly less breakouts since I've started using it. Tea tree water helps to draw out any impurities such as blackhead and excess oil. I'll also be doing a review on this product soon, so keep your eyes out once again!

3. LUSH Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter ($14.95) - Wow, do I love this stuff. I use it on my heels every time I get out of the shower and I've noticed my heels have become a million times softer. I used to have extremely dry and cracked heels but ever since I've started using this my heels have become very smooth. If you want to know more I have a review on this product here.

4. EOS Organic Lip Balm Sphere in Strawberry Sorbet ($2.99) - I was extremely late on the EOS lip balm train but it's better later than never. I had my doubts about this product because the idea of carrying around a giant egg shaped lip balm was not appealing to me, but I'm glad I gave it a try. The product feels great on the lips, it moisturizes without feeling sticky or greasy and I love the way it smells. I really wanted to get the limited edition Alice in Wonderland pack but I can't find it anywhere!

5. LUSH Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub Sample (Free) - I got this sample with the rest of the Lush products and I'm so glad I did. I use it once a week and it really scrubs deep down into my pores getting out all the blackheads and getting rid of any dead skin. It's pretty harsh, I'm not going to lie, but using it once a week is good enough. I love this product so much that the next time I'm at a Lush, I'm definitely picking a full size up.

I hope you enjoyed this post and once again my apologies for not posting as much. I'm going to try to post as much as I can these following weeks but I can't guarantee anything since my midterms are looking to be really tough this semester. Wish me luck!

B&BW Haul!

I know, I'm really late with this haul because I went shopping at Bath and Body Works like over a week ago during their giant Fall sale but please forgive me for I was working on the Tag: 10 Things I Would Repurchase post and I had a lot of classwork to catch up on. But I digress, I guess it's better later than never right?

I only have pictures of some of the items I purchased because some of the things I took to my boyfriend's place and some, like the wall scents, were not very photogenic. I didn't go too crazy during this latest B&BW purchase but all the new scents were really enticing so I did end up with quite a lot. 

They had a buy 3, get 3 free deal on signature collection body care and while I'm not a fan of anything but their shower gels, the new Paris collection caught my attention. From left to right I have Paris in Bloom, Pink Chiffon, Paris Nights and Warm Vanilla Sugar. Paris in Bloom, which is part of the newest Paris collection, is a really pretty orangey-pink with a fruity floral scent of "pink peony, dewy pear and blonde woods." Pink Chiffon is an older scent that I never really paid much mind to, but my mom really liked it so I figured I'd give it a try. It's a purple-pink fruity scent with a hint of floral, on the bottle it says its an "ultra-feminine blend of sparkling red pear, vanilla orchid and whipped chiffon musk." Another scent from the new Paris collection is Paris Nights, a deep purple color, it smells like rich champagne floral scent. According to B&BW it is a "seductive blend of French jasmine, clementine and cabernet musk," it smells a bit strong in the bottle but I figure it'll smell amazing in the shower. Finally I got the one scent that I never tire of, Warm Vanilla Sugar, which is a light yellow color that looks like vanilla extract and smells of, what else, vanilla!

Next I got some 2 for $20 candles that I absolutely love because they have amazing scents and even though they seem very pricey for $10 a pop, they last for months because they're huge! The newest Fall scents just came out when I was at the store so I picked up a Leaves candle and a Marshmallow Fireside candle. I brought the Leaves candle to my boyfriend's house so I don't have a picture of it, but trust me when I say it smells amazing. It smells like cinnamon with a woodsy undertone, like if you found a bakery in the woods, which makes me think of Hansel and Gretel, but don't worry, no hungry witches will be cooking you for dinner. As for Marshmallow Fireside, it smells like roasting marshmallows over a fire...duh. It has a sweet scent that's not overpowering, so among the other food related candles, like Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin or Pumpkin Cupcake, you won't get suffocated by the smell of deliciousness.

I also purchased some wallflower refills as I mentioned, and I got 4 for $20. I got a Leaves, a Warm Vanilla Sugar, a Fresh Linen and a Jasmine Cherry Blossom. Finally, I got a True Blue Spa Super Rich Hand Cream with a coupon for a free item of your choice with purchase.

Even though I bought these things over a week ago, B&BW is still having a lot of the same promotions. Last time I checked the 2 for $20 candles and 4 for $20 wallflower scents were still going on. As for the buy 3 get 3 free deal on the signature body collection, you'll probably have to wait until next month. They usually have a lot of promotions so if you wait a little while a promo on what you want to buy is sure to come up. So if you're interested, head on over there now!